National Party of Australia
Australia's regional party advocating rural communities, agribusiness growth and country infrastructure since 1920.
About National Party of Australia
Learn about the party's history, policies, and key achievements
Party Overview
The National Party of Australia represents rural and regional communities across the nation, serving as the voice of country Australia in federal parliament. Founded in 1920 as the Country Party, the Nationals advocate for agricultural interests, regional development, and decentralization policies that support life outside major cities.
Led by David Littleproud, the party forms a Coalition with the Liberal Party while maintaining its distinct identity focused on rural issues. The Nationals champion practical solutions for farming communities, mining regions, and country towns, promoting policies that ensure regional Australia receives fair representation and adequate infrastructure investment.
History & Formation
The National Party was established in 1920 as the Country Party, emerging from rural political movements that sought to protect agricultural interests against urban-dominated policies. Founded during post-World War I rural economic difficulties, the party quickly became the political voice of farmers, graziers, and country communities.
The party formed its first Coalition government with the Nationalist Party in 1923, establishing a partnership model that continues today. Under leaders like Earle Page, John McEwen, and Tim Fischer, the Nationals have consistently advocated for rural infrastructure, agricultural support, and regional development.
The party changed its name to the National Party in 1982 to reflect its broader regional focus beyond just farming communities.
Key Policy Areas
- Agricultural support and farming community assistance
- Regional infrastructure including roads, rail, and telecommunications
- Decentralization and moving government services to regional areas
- Mining and resources sector development
- Water security and irrigation infrastructure
- Rural healthcare and education service delivery
- Small business support in regional communities
- Drought assistance and natural disaster relief
Key Achievements
- Secured billions in regional infrastructure funding through Coalition governments
- Established the Regional Investment Corporation for agricultural loans
- Delivered the Mobile Black Spot Program improving rural connectivity
- Created the Building Better Regions Fund for community projects
- Implemented drought assistance packages for farming families
- Secured water infrastructure investments including dams and irrigation
- Established regional university campuses and healthcare facilities
- Delivered the Inland Rail project connecting Melbourne to Brisbane
National Party of Australia Across Australia
National Party of Australia represents communities across all Australian states and territories, with elected members serving in federal parliament, state parliaments, and local councils from Sydney to Perth, Melbourne to Brisbane, Adelaide to Darwin, and Hobart to Canberra.
Find your local National Party of Australia representatives in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory through our comprehensive electoral guides and member directories.
Leadership Team
Meet the key leaders and decision-makers
David Littleproud
Federal Leader
Member for Maranoa; re-elected leader after 2025 federal election.
Electorate: Maranoa (QLD)
Age: 49
Years in Parliament: 9
Kevin Hogan
Deputy Leader & Shadow Trade, Investment & Tourism
Electorate: Page (NSW)
Age: 62
Years in Parliament: 12
Shadow Ministers
Key portfolio holders and their responsibilities
Bridget McKenzie
Shadow Infrastructure, Transport & Regional Development
Kevin Hogan
Deputy Leader & Shadow Trade, Investment & Tourism
Darren Chester
Shadow Veterans Affairs
Ross Cadell
Shadow Water, Emergency Management, Fisheries & Forestry
Susan McDonald
Shadow Resources & Northern Australia
Policy Platform
Explore National Party of Australia's comprehensive policy positions on key issues affecting Australian families, workers, and communities. These policies shape how National Party of Australia approaches governance, legislation, and representation in federal parliament.
From healthcare and education to climate action and economic policy, discover where National Party of Australia stands on the issues that matter most to Australian voters in federal elections.
Regional Infrastructure Investment
$10 billion fund for regional roads, rail, and telecommunications infrastructure to connect rural communities and support economic growth.
Agricultural Support Package
Drought assistance, farm investment allowances, and support for agricultural research and development to boost farming productivity.
Decentralisation Initiative
Move 10,000 federal government jobs to regional areas by 2030, with incentives for businesses to relocate outside major cities.
Mining and Resources Development
Streamline approvals for mining projects, support critical minerals extraction, and ensure regional communities benefit from resource wealth.
Rural Healthcare Enhancement
Mobile health services, telehealth expansion, and incentives for doctors to practice in rural areas to address healthcare shortages.
Water Security Program
New dams and water infrastructure projects, improved irrigation systems, and water trading reforms to ensure agricultural water security.
How National Party of Australia Policies Affect Australian Voters
National Party of Australia's policy platform directly impacts Australian families through changes to taxation, healthcare funding, education investment, and social services. These policies are developed through party conferences, member consultation, and parliamentary caucus decisions, reflecting the party's core values and electoral commitments to Australian voters.
Electoral History
Track record in federal elections over recent years
Result
Lost election (Coalition partner)
Seats
H: 9 | S: 9
Leader
David Littleproud
4.2% primary vote
Result
Lost government (Coalition partner)
Seats
H: 16 | S: 6
Leader
David Littleproud
4.1% primary vote
Result
Won government (Coalition partner)
Seats
H: 16 | S: 5
Leader
Michael McCormack
4.5% primary vote
Result
Won government (Coalition partner)
Seats
H: 16 | S: 4
Leader
Barnaby Joyce
4.6% primary vote
Result
Won government (Coalition partner)
Seats
H: 9 | S: 4
Leader
Warren Truss
4.3% primary vote
Key Historical Figures
Important leaders who shaped the party's legacy
Earle Page
Deputy Prime Minister
1923-1929, 1934-1939
First Country Party leader and Deputy PM. Established the Coalition partnership model with the Nationalist Party.
John McEwen
Deputy Prime Minister
1958-1971
Longest-serving Deputy PM. Champion of agricultural protection and rural development. Briefly served as PM in 1967.
Doug Anthony
Deputy Prime Minister
1971-1983
Led the party through the Fraser government years. Strong advocate for rural industries and regional development.
Tim Fischer
Deputy Prime Minister
1996-1999
Led Nationals during Howard government. Championed gun law reforms and rural telecommunications improvements.
John Anderson
Deputy Prime Minister
1999-2005
Oversaw major transport and regional development initiatives. Led response to rural economic challenges.
Barnaby Joyce
Deputy Prime Minister
2016-2018, 2021-2022
First Nationals leader from Queensland. Strong advocate for regional infrastructure and water security.
Common Questions
Common questions about National Party of Australia and Australian politics answered
Further Reading
Explore our in-depth analysis and guides related to National Party of Australia and Australian politics
Policy Analysis
Nationals Agriculture Policy
Detailed analysis of the Nationals' agricultural policies and rural development initiatives.
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Read More →Civic Engagement
Contact Your Local MP
Step-by-step guide on how to contact and engage with your local member of parliament.
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